Moving in New York is always a challenge, but a high-rise move in Manhattan or Brooklyn comes with its own unique set of hurdles. From tight elevators and strict building rules to service entrances that seem to be hidden, the details can add a lot of stress to an already complicated process. With both boroughs experiencing significant growth, scheduling is becoming more difficult, with tighter spaces and even more residents moving in.

If you’re preparing for a high-rise move, here’s a practical guide to help make your transition smoother and stress-free.

1. Know the Building’s Requirements Before You Pack

Every building has its own set of rules for moves, and it’s crucial to get them upfront. Before packing your belongings, contact building management to confirm:

• Elevator reservations and the time window available for moves
• Required insurance documents for your movers
• Any special requirements like using a service entrance or loading dock

Confirming these details early will ensure you avoid any surprises when the movers arrive.

2. Plan Your Timing Around Traffic and Access Points

The timing of your move is just as important as the logistics. In busy areas like Gowanus, where residential units are rapidly increasing, traffic and limited curb access can add unexpected delays. Ensure your move is scheduled with enough buffer time to accommodate potential delays due to construction or tight street access.

3. Sort What You Bring Into a High-Rise

Living in a high-rise often means making tough decisions about what stays and what goes. With limited floor space and narrow hallways, oversized furniture can become a headache. Measure your larger items—sofas, dressers, and bed frames—to make sure they’ll fit through elevators or doorways. If it barely worked in your old space, it might be time to say goodbye.

4. Protect Your Items for Tight Corners and Long Elevator Rides

A high-rise move is a test of your packing skills. From long elevator rides to narrow corners, there’s little room for error. Here’s how to prepare your items:

• Wrap furniture in protective materials to avoid scuffs on walls and doors.
• Label each box by room to streamline the unloading process.
• Secure fragile items so they’re well-protected during vertical transport.

5. Prepare for Move Day to Minimize Delays

Preparation on move day is key. Make sure to clear pathways so boxes don’t block doorways. Keep essential documents, like elevator reservations and insurance paperwork, in one easy-to-reach location. If parking permits are required, confirm those ahead of time. By having everything organized and ready to go, you’ll reduce unnecessary delays.

Focus on Planning for a Stress-Free High-Rise Move

Moving into a high-rise building in Manhattan or Brooklyn requires a little extra effort, but with proper preparation, the process can go much smoother. From understanding building rules to protecting your belongings during the move, it’s all about taking the right steps before, during, and after the move.

Moving locally within NYC? Let Movers Not Shakers help you with a seamless, stress-free move. Whether you’re relocating within Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, or anywhere in between, our team is experienced in handling all the logistics of a local move within NYC. We understand the challenges of navigating narrow streets, limited parking, and tight building access, which is why we specialize in making these moves as smooth as possible.

Hire the best local movers in New York for stress-free moving, and from careful packing to efficient unpacking, we’ll ensure that your belongings arrive safely and on time. Reach out today to learn more about our local moving services, and let us handle the heavy lifting, so you can focus on settling into your new space with ease!